(Pics) India salutes its soldiers on Army Day

New Delhi, Jan 16: India is celebrating its

Day today, saluting the contribution of its soldiers in rescue operations and cross-border firing.

However, amid tribute and speeches by dignitaries, what caught our attention was General Bikram Singh's assurance of a "multi-pronged" plan to boost the defence capabilities of the Indian Army and that a number of projects are about to be completed.

"We have made plans. The government has approved many. Some of them have been completed while others will get approval by the end of the fiscal," he said during the function.

In a 15-minute long speech, he also discussed the physical and psychological hardships that the armymen face. He also agreed that a country is respected when it is economically and militarily powerful, the latter requiring superior equipment and firepower.

Among the dignitaries present in the celebrations was President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

The dignitaries

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh at the Army Day reception, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

In Action!

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh at the Army Day reception, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The august presence

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh at the Army Day reception, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Unnikrishnan awarded

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh at the Army Day reception, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Attention!

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh at the Army Day reception, in New Delhi on Wednesday.

OneIndia News